Stretching

[Jim Coleman, Sr.]

Hi Bob:

Yes. We do impart an additional stretch. When an octave is in tune where
the 2nd partial of the lower note is exactly in tune with the 1st partial
of the upper note, in all likelihood, the 4th partial of the lower note
will be sharper than the 2nd partial of the upper note. This will cause
the 3rd-10th test to show the upper note flat, ie the 10th will be slower
than the 3rd in that test. Therefore, it is common practice to stretch a
little more to get the best balance of all of the octave harmonic 
relationships.

Jim Coleman, Sr.

PS An example of the 3rd-10th test is where the F3-A3 Major Third and the
   F3-A4 Major 10th are equal in beat speed, proving a perfect 4:2 match.
   In most all cases on a piano this will make a wide 2:1 relationship.

On Wed, 3 Jun 1998, robert sadowski wrote:

> Dear List,
>      I recall my instructor at the Chatauqua Institution stating that if you
> tune beatless octaves above the temperament octave you will automatically
> stretch these octaves.
> From one who still uses the "human computer" I'm curious.  I'm ashamed to
> admit I haven't spent much time studying these matters but do you electronic
> folks impart a beat to these octaves to stretch them?
> 
> Bob Sadowski
> Erie, PA
> 
>